The Tennessee Equestrian

Blue Point Stables Introduces a New Concept...Bluepons, A Groupon Discount

2011-10-23T16:23:00.001-07:00

The "BLUEPON"

This week BPS is partnering with Groupon to offer deeply discounted lesson packages to new clients. We felt that our current, past and future clients should have the opportunity to cash in on the same offer! Thus, the "BLUEPON" was born.

For October 24, 25 & 26 BPS will be offering BLUEPONS for 50% off regular pricing of our 5 and 10 lesson packages! Contact us today to take advantage of this special offer!

Don't forget to attend the BPS All-Breed Open Horse Show on October 29th!

Blue Point Stables

675 Buck Creek Rd.

Kingston, TN, 37763

Tel. (865) 376-9312

bluepointstables@gmail.com

www.bluepointstables.com

facebook

Another October Event Added to the Calendar

2011-10-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

OPEN FAMILY RODEO
Contact Person(optional)	SANDRA REID
Address	Street Address: WILTON CIRCLE City: WINCHESTER State / Province: TN Country: United States
E-mail	4REIDFARM@GMAIL.COM
website	SMTYRA.ORG
Phone Number	(931) 575-1662
Date	10-29-2011 11:00 AM

	WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN? FAMILY RODEO OCTOBER 29, 2011-EVENTS FOR EVERYONE--ADULTS AND YOUTH!! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE BARREL RACINGPOLE BENDING* GOAT TYE-MOUNTED & UNMOUNTED COW SORTINGBREAKAWAY ROPINGFLAG RACEONE BARREL SPEED RACE* DUMMY ROPINGTEAM ROPING*CALF TIE DOWN ROPING STEER STOPPINGGOAT RIBBON PULL*STICK HORSE RACERANCH SORTING* BOOKS OPEN AT 9A.M., RODEO STARTS AT 11 A.M.-WINCHESTER INDOOR ARENA-WWW.SMTYRA.ORGFOR MORE INFORMATION*

Upcoming Events in Tennessee

2011-10-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Until my problems with my server are fixed, I'll be posting upcoming shows and events on this blog. Here are the latest announcements:

Haunted Hay Rides to benefit Mustang Alley Horse Rescue. Every Friday and Saturday in October. 1020 Walters Rd. Greenville, TN For more information, 423-552-5988 or www.mustangalley.org

Riverdale Saddle Club would like to invite everyone out to our last show of the season Saturday October 15th. Speed events start at 11am with the show starting promptly at 4pm. We are located east of Knoxville take Strawberry plains exit off of I40. Saturday, October 15 · 10:00am - 10:00pm

Oak Ridge Riding Club will be holding a tack sale on October 15th from 8AM to 3PM. Booths are 10x10 feet and are $10 each. Exhibitors must provide their own chairs and tables. No animals of any kind are allowed at the sale. You may however put up posters and hand out flyers for horses or other animals that you have for sale. Set up will be from 6AM to 8AM. Pre-registration is not required; you can pay when you arrive. 470 Tuskeegee Drive, Oak Ridge, TN. For more information, contact Ruth Tuft at 865-483-7504 or rmtuft@mindspring.com

Buy your tickets for Dancing for the Horses Oct 24 at Cotton Eyed Joe in advance. If you can't attend would you be willing to donate $10? Hope to see you there.

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=C38hnx-aM4xLKIbAooMh_Qas6g1DE_KxXWQA-BMfnxIN7oQNYiLX_yHAdrm&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081981f0ec5c29429da1e3ab6e3235b433a67

Online Payment, Merchant Account - PayPal

www.paypal.com

PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online without revealing your credit card number.

Just a reminder to everyone that the Stone Gate Farm Open Show was rescheduled to Oct 22nd, classes for English and western riders, including but not limited to barrels, jumpers , hunter classes and western pleasure. We have a great AQHA carded judge Jessica Rhymer Page, who will also be doing a clinic at the farm on Sunday Oct. 23rd. Show all day saturday for $50 or clinic sunday for $65. Spaces are limited for the clinic so please RSVP asap at 865-617-5908. Come enjoy the fall weather for a fun open show and clinic with us!

Cow working, horsemanship clinic by Scott Kiger and John Niceley Oct 22 and 23. Attend one or both days. All levels welcome, even problem horses. No experience necessary for cow work or cutting. Riding weather is great now! Come enjoy the cowboy experience with us all day. Scott Kiger 706-506-5526

OCT 29TH!!!!! Keep it on your calendar! It is the date of the last horse show of the season at Blue Point Stables. We are challenging all other barns to a TOP STABLE CHALLENGE!! Bring a group of 3 or more and compete as a team for some fun and exciting prizes. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Brandy McDonnell at 865-466-3609 or bluepointstables@gmail.com

Tennessee Getaway Clinic Team taught by Chase Dodd and Betsy Moles. November 11 at 9AM - November 13 at 5PM. Dodd's Ranch, 638 Bowman Cemetery Rd., Soddy Daisy, TN. Escape the Hustle of your urban life and head to the mountains during peak leaf season with your horse! Get out side your comfort zone and immerse yourself in horsemanship with two renown Trainers in the Southeast Chase Dodd and Betsy Moles. The focus of this clinic will be trail riding both competitive and recreational, body control and communication. The Clinic starts Friday afternoon at 1:00, continues all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon enjoy a group trail ride on the 35 miles of trails on flat top mountain during peak leaf season. The Dodds Horsemanship Ranch boasts a 100 by 200 open arena and a 80 by 150 covered arena. The property is surrounded by 1200 acres with 35+ miles of trails. Horses will have stall accommodations for the weekend included in the clinic fee. Clinic Fee is $325 if registered before Oct 7. and $375 after Oct 7. 50% down to hold your spot. All horse accommodation are included in clinic fees. Contact Chase Dodd with any questions. 423-309-1691

Everyone, Mark your calendars: National Cowboy Asociation Finals 2011 Rodeo will be November 18 and 19 at the Great Smokies Mountain Expo Center in White Pine. This rodeo is the main fundraiser for Ridin' High Inc., a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding facility located in Morristown.

The Henry County Saddle Club will be having their year end awards banquet and elections for 2011 officers and board members on Saturday, December 3rd at 6:30 pm at the Henry Civic Center. The main course and drinks will be provided. Please bring two sides. Thinking about running for office? Now is the time to find out what the responsabilities are for each position and how you can contribute to improving what our club has to offer!
Remember, members are the club and, the club is what we members make it so, let's make it great!!!

Horse Stolen in Georgia ALERT

2011-09-21T17:44:00.001-07:00

Just received this info from a friend about a horse stolen in Georgia and they wanted to get the word out. Please report and send to as many people as you can...

Horse stolen from his Locust Grove, GA (Henry County) pasture in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Buddy is a Quarter Horse Gelding, 15.3 hands, 1200 lbs. Palomino, 9 years old, Back left foot white. Front left egg bar shoe from a quarter crack. Shoes all around. Three inch scar on the left cheek.Anyone with ANY information please contact Rachel 678-618-7735.

Fatal Case of EHV1 puts U.T. Vet Hospital Under Quarantine

2011-09-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

I thought that I should address this here since many people check the blog on a regular basis for news and updates. As most of you probably already know, a necropsy on a horse brought into the U.T. School of Veterinary Medicine Equine Hospital last Thursday, September 15th, which had to be euthanized on Friday, September 16th, has confirmed that the horse was infected with the neurotropic form of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus-1.) The Tennessee State Veterinarian placed both the U.T. School of Veterinary Medicine Equine Hospital and The Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge,where the infected horse originated, under initially a seven day quarantine which has now been extended to two weeks.

EHV-1 is extremely contagious. An outbreak which began at the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championship in Ogden, Utah in May spread to four surrounding states and Canada. Horse shows and events across the Western U.S. and Canada were canceled for a month following the outbreak. Although doctors at UT Equine Hospital remain cautious, there have been no new cases of EHV-1 diagnosed at the hospital or in East Tennessee after the initial case last Thursday.

Equine Herpes Virus-1 infection can be spread to other horses, llamas and alpacas through airborne fluids such as the result of a sneeze. It can also be spread by sharing feed, brushes, water and other equipment. If an infected horse is introduced to a previously unexposed herd, up to 70% of that herd can expect to be infected if precautions are not taken to limit exposure. Infection causes abortion and respiratory distress. Encephalitis can develop which can lead to ataxia, paralysis and death. Although the disease is highly infectious, not every horse that comes in contact with the contagion develops the disease or becomes symptomatic. As with most infectious diseases pregnant mares, very young, very old and sick horses as well as horses under stress are the most susceptible.

EHV-1 is a mutant virus from the same family as the Rhino virus but, although being up to date on your Rhino vaccine can help to alleviate and lessen symptoms, there really is not an affective vaccine for EHV-1. Still, veterinarians are recommending making certain that your Rhino boosters are up to date and suggest that if your horses have not been inoculated in under five months, that you give them a booster. My vet, Dr. Melissa Hamilton, has suggested that her patients not only get boosters but until the quarantine is lifted that horse owners keep their horses as isolated as possible and avoid places where strange horses will be gathered such as shows and trail rides. She also suggests that if you come in contact with strange horses, you should wash up well before being around your own horses.

The University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine Equine Hospital will still be taking emergency patients for surgery but once the horses are at the hospital, they will not be allowed to leave until the quarantine is lifted. Owners however will not be charged for the additional days.

U.T. is also holding an owners forum which will be webcast this Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 PM and should address any questions and concerns that you might have. Check the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture website for more information on the webcast and news updates on the virus.

Benefit Chile Dinner and Silent Auction

2011-09-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

I know many of you in the East TN valley know Dale Collis for his skill as a farrier. He's my farrier but I also count him amongst my friends. His uncle, Arnold Collis, has stage 4 cancer and no insurance. They are holding a chile dinner and silent auction to benefit him on the 24th at the Steekee School in Loudon, Tennessee (It's in the country but stop and ask because most people can tell you how to get there). Activities like an old fashioned cake walk, pony rides and more will start at 11:00 a.m. and last until 5:00 p.m. when they will start serving the chile and other treats. The silent auction will follow the dinner. If anyone would like to donate to the auction, let me know and I'll put you in touch with Dale or his dad.

Help Needed

2011-09-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

From Donna Haugland

This is a friend of mine and she is posting for her friend: 9/5/11 URGENT NEED for horse transport for evacuation in Bastrop County, TX. Barns that were used to house evacuees are now in the fire's path. Rt 304 still open both ways. Anyone in the area who can help, please call Beth at 512-467-4893 or Rachel at 512-581-2940. There at least 43 horses in immediate need at their rescue, surely there will be more. Maybe you know someone willing to help.

Equine Rescues Featured this Month

2011-09-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm highlighting two East Tennessee horse rescues for the entire month of September.

The first is Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc. which is located at 1020 Walters Rd. in Greenville, TN. Kathy Grant runs Mustang Alley which rescues unwanted, abused, abandoned and neglected horses then rehabilitates them before she places them in qualified homes that have been screened and inspected so that she can be assured that the horses will live out their days with love and care. Adoption rules and applications are available on their website at http://www.mustangalley.org/.

Mustang Alley sponsors several events and clinics throughout the year as well as offering guided trail rides in the Cherokee national forest through their riding stables and even a "Get Hitched on Horseback" wedding package with all proceeds raised going to help the rescue. There will also be a Haunted Hayride every Friday and Saturday in October.

The second rescue, Horse Haven of Tennessee, is well known to citizens in Knoxville and the surrounding areas.

Go to http://horsehaventn.org/ for more information.

Email	hht@horsehavenoftn.com
Phone	(865) 609-4030

Founded by Nina Margetson in 1999, Horse Haven of Tennessee is Tennessee's oldest and largest equine humane rescue. Horse Haven does not have an income and relies on donations from donors and various events which are held throughout the year to both raise funds and public awareness. The best known of these is probably Dancing for the Horses held ever October and featuring local celebrities who compete in a "Dancing with the Stars" type competition. This year the competion will be held at Cottoneyed Joes on October 24th. Dancers will be announced soon on the Horse Haven blog.
Horse Haven of Tennessee sees their mission as this:
To advocate for, rescue, protect, and defend our God-given equine from abuse and neglect in Tennessee.

-Rescue equine from cruel or dangerous situations
-Provide shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption for abused and neglected equine
-Assist law enforcement with investigations and court preparation
-Educate owners on compassion and responsible equine ownership

I just came across this and I thought that, since it does pertain to the subject of this post, that I would add it here for those who are interested in learning more about horse rescue and adoption:

Horse Adoption and Rescue

FREE Ask The Vet LIVE Q&A Wednesday September 21 | 8:00 p.m. EDT

With the current drought, high hay prices, and other factors, more horses are in need of homes and many people have questions about horse adoption and rescue. How can you find the right horse to rescue or adopt? How can you find a reputable rescue if you have a horse to rehome? If your newly adopted horse came from an unhealthy situation, what common health and behavioral issues might you expect to see, and how can you safely rehabilitate the horse? How do you adopt a mustang or burro?

Get answers to these questions and more on Wednesday, September 21st at 8 p.m. EDT during TheHorse.com's Ask the Vet LIVE Q&A event on horse adoption and rescue, brought to you by Bureau of Land Management. Register now and submit your questions for the experts to answer during the live event!


	Register Now

About the Experts

Julia Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, president of Turner Wilson Equine Consulting, LLC, and a strong advocate for solving the issue of “unwanted” horses. Locally, she serves as an advisor to the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation and she helps organize Minnesota's Gelding Project, which provides equine castration for financially challenged horse owners. She is also a co-founder of the Equitarian Initiative, which educates veterinarians to provide community service and health care to working donkeys, mules, and horses in poor areas.

Albert J. Kane, DVM, MPVM, PhD, senior staff veterinarian for the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. His professional interests include the welfare and health management of wild horses and burros and the prevention of wastage and injury in performance horses.

Need help registering for this event? Contact us at THWebinars@TheHorse.com

TheHorse.com is an official Media Partner of
the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Upcoming Horse Shows

2011-09-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm having a few difficulties with the website at the moment so until those are all straightened out, I'll be posting the horse show calendar here:

Stone Gate Farm Open Show
Judge: Jessica Rhymer Page, Brevard, NC Saturday September 24th
Show starts at 9 A.M.

Beginner Rider and Green Horses Welcome
Ring open 7-8:45 A.M. For open Schooling

Matthew Lawson, Trainer (865) 617-5908 Ashley Jenkins, Show Manager (865) 307-4937

A full class list, directions and class specifcations can be found at:
www.adamoeq.com/openshow.cfm

Also, Jessica Rhymer Page will be holding a clinic at Stone Gate on Sunday, September 25th and overnight stabling will be available. Contact Matthew Lawson or Ashley Jenkins at the numbers above for more information.

Stone Gate Farm
8335 Beaver Ridge Road
Knoxville, TN 37931

Riverdale Saddle Club Horse Shows
http://riverdalesaddleclub.webs.com/horseshows.htm
7822 McMillan Drive
Knoxville TN 37914

Every year, from April - October, a monthly horse show is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Membership in the Saddle Club is not required to compete in the shows, but members do get a discount on class entry fees. Spectators are encouraged so bring the whole family, even if you don't have a horse. Admission and parking is free. September's show will be on the 17th.

FAIRWEATHER FARM ANNUAL SHOW SERIES

AT RARITY BAY

Sept 10……Saturday 3pm

Oct 1……Saturday 3pm

Changes will be announced on the website.

As always call before you haul -especially if there's rain!

(865) 335-1854 or (865)335-1870

A New Group on Facebook

2011-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've established a new group on Facebook for the Tennessee horse owner. It is a place where both individuals and businesses can share information, get to know each other, and just enjoy talking horses with others who share their interests. We also have Docs for announcing shows and events, selling horses, tack and other items and just telling people about your horse business. It's been around for less than a week and already has 92 members. If you don't already belong, please come on over and join. And be sure to tell us all about you and your horses. The Tennessee Horse Owners, Businesses and Organizations group on Facebook, check it out!

Support Templeton Thompson's newest album

2011-08-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Templeton Thompson

hay y'all, i'm workin' on a new album project called "icy blue heart" & i'm raising funds through kickstarter.com to make it...i'd be honored if y'all could help spread the word, this is a way for folks to be part of the process in the making of my new cd, there are different pledge levels, i.e. $25 gets supporters a SIGNED hard copy of the new album, a free download of the cd before it's released & a download of one of my previously unreleased original tunes (you can pledge as little as $1 & still get a reward from me in return=) this is a GREAT platform for creative folks like all of us!=) i'd be grateful for your support & i hope y'all will check this avenue for creativity out as well for yourselves, joy & horses, templeton thompson=)

New Photography Book Available/Sales Benefit The TN Equestrian

2011-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

All profit from the sell of this book will go toward offsetting the expense of writing and publishing The Tennessee Equestrian which offers free listing and advertising to all equine businesses, services and products that are of interest or use to the Tenn. horse owner. So alert all of your horse loving friends today!:)

The Illuminated Horse by Sande Jones~Elkins |
The book is also an entry in the PBN, Photography Book Now, 2011 Competition sponsored by Blurb.

Website Offline

2011-07-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm having problems with my websites and they are all connected. Pages seem to have crossed and links don't take you where they should. So, I will be taking the entire site down, rebuilding and reloading over the next few days to weeks. I'll try to have everything up and running again as soon as possible but if you need to reach me with a question or to submit a listing or event, email me directly at grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net. Thank you for understanding and I do apologize for any inconvenience.

WHIA 2011 Global Networking Expo

2011-06-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

2011 Global Networking Expo

October 7-8, 2011 Nashville, Tennessee

Raddison Hotel at Opryland

Want to do more BUSINESS?

Want to gather the INFORMATON you need to become more successful?

Want to find the latest PRODUCTS and SERVICES in the equine industry?

At the WHIA's 2011 GLOBAL NETWORKING EXPO...

YOU CAN!

Come and meet some of the top women in the horse industry from around the world at our networking expo. Attend our panels and learn the information you need to become more successful in your horse industry business. And, make some lifeong friends and business associates

News Letter

2011-06-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

I also need to add that I will be putting a submission form for the Tennessee Equestrian newsletter on the main web page later this week. It will basically be the same news that you can get here and on the facebook page but it will be conveniently delivered to your email inbox and save you time searching on the internet. As busy as our lives are these days, we don't even have time to stop and smell the flowers much less keep up on all of the information available on the internet. I won't promise all of the news and information out there but I will keep you up to date on all of the Tennessee Equestrian news.

Expertise

2011-06-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Someone told me a few days ago that they were impressed that I was such an expert on horses in Tennessee. That made me laugh and not just a chuckle but one of those good ol' belly laughs you have when you are really amused and maybe a bit shocked because I know that I am no where near being an expert on horses, any breed or any discipline. I'm not even a great rider but I do love horses, especially my own. That is the very reason that I'm writing this guide and compiling all of this information because there are a lot of us who love our horses, want the best for them but we are not experts. We all make mistakes, even the professionals, but hopefully, we all learn from our mistakes. This guide is my way of making up for the many mistakes that I've made since I got my first horse just six short years ago. Now, I have five horses and one of those is a baby, my first foal, Danny. Boy, has he ever taught me a lot and so have every one of my horses. The problem is I'm tired of learning the hard way. I'm not saying that I won't still make mistakes but I'm hoping to make my life and the life of every horse owner who picks up this guide or searches its pages on the internet a whole lot easier. I'm trying to make the guide as comprehensive as possible so that you, the horse owner, will have access to the very experts your need to give you the answers to your questions and problems, provide you with the services and products to take care of your horses, allow you quick access to trail maps and places to stay when you travel with your horse, and occasionally provide the glitz and bling that we all like for our horses and ourselves. And even though I'm no expert, I have some people who are experts in their field. People who have the knowledge, skill and experience to really call themselves experts who are going to provide information in the pages of the guide that will allow all of us to be better riders and horse owners. In the next few weeks, I will be making a lot of changes and additions on the Tennessee Equestrian website.

I already have a submission form for the free listings. I'd love to have everyone's input there even those who don't have horse businesses, feel free to submit the names of your favorite horse businesses both in Tennessee and on the web. I want all horse businesses, products, and services that you can think of. I've already received a few that I hadn't thought of and that is great! I'm talking farriers, vets, trainers, riding instructors, boarding barns, show judges, shops that carry tack, feed, supplies and equipment, breeders, riding clubs and discipline and breed organizations, saddle fitters, artists, photographers, etc......Please, send them in! I'm going to be adding a feedback form where you can make suggestions of articles and subjects you'd like to see covered in this first annual issue and the issues to come. We are planning on having a q&a interview with a farrier, a vet, trainers from various disciplines, and I'm thinking of asking a professional groom that I just met if she'd mind doing an interview. So, if you have questions for those experts, submit them and we will answer as many as possible. I also will be adding a page where you can purchase full color ads and also add-ons (photos, logo/banners, business cards) for the free listings. I have activated an incentive program as well. For every 10+ submissions you send in for new, small businesses in your area/region, I will give you an add-on for your business listing or if you are a horse owner who is submitting others for listing, I'll give the add-on to the business of your choice. You can either use the regular submission form for the additional listings or email the information directly to me at, grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net. One last request, those of you who know me and already know that you and your business will be included in the Tennessee Equestrian, I'd still like to have a submission form from you just so I'll know exactly what you want me to say about you and include in the listing. I'm asking everyone who submits a listing to tell me what makes them special and sets them apart. I think all of you are special but I'd still like to hear a bit of braggin' from you. Thanks guys! This is going to be OUR guide and I want your input so that I can make it the best and most beneficial reference for horse owner and horse professional alike.

YOU CAN WIN A CHANCE TO RIDE AT THE O'CONNER EQUESTRIAN CAMP!!

2011-06-11T06:59:00.003-07:00

Win a Chance to Ride at the O’Connor Equestrian Camp

Karen O’Connor at the 2010 American Eventing Championships

Want to ride with Olympic three-day eventers David and Karen O’Connor? Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is proud to offer one winner a rider’s slot at the 2011 O’Connor Equestrian Camp, to be held at the Virginia Horse Center June 26-July 1.

The winner will take his or her own horse to camp to learn:

O'Connor safety system for cross-country
Horsemanship and stable management skills
Professional show-grooming techniques
O'Connor "Horses-First" training methods
Secrets of dressage
Fundamentals of show jumping
Keys to success in cross-country

In addition to the grand prize winner, second- and third-place winners will be drawn. The second-place winner will receive $250 in KER nutritional supplements, and the third-place winner will receive $150 in products. All winners will get an additional prize package that includes a nutrition consultation for one horse, an embroidered saddle pad, and a hat.

To enter the contest, just sign up for KER’s award-winning free weekly newsletters, The Weekly Feed and Equine Health Review. Already a subscriber? Just select the newsletter you already receive.

The winners will be selected June 15, 2011, and will be notified by e-mail.

The camp is targeted toward riders at the equivalent of Beginner Novice through Advanced, but it is not limited to eventers; equestrians from all other disciplines are welcome. Campers must be at least 12 years of age; those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the entire camp. See more frequently asked questions about O’Connor Event Camp.

Stabling for one horse is included in the entry. The winner is responsible for all transportation to and from the event, as well as lodging and horse care during the event.

David and Karen O’Connor have long been associated with KER, an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company that serves both the horse owner and the feed industry. Its goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, and apply this knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses.

Upcoming Events in Tennessee

2011-06-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've started a new page on the Tennessee Equestrian website where horse shows and events across the state are listed with links and contact information. In the next few days, I will be adding a submission form so that you can keep me up to date on all of your shows, events, clinics and any other equine news that you would like to list. Again, listing is FREE for this as well as your small business as long as it is horse related and relatable to the Tennessee horse owner. There is already a submission form for your small business.

I also plan to add purchasable full color ads within the next week that will be displayed in both the printed guide and the webzine. They will be very reasonably priced in this first edition and will of course run for the entire year. There will also be a new option to purchase the inclusion of a photo, small banner/logo or business card to be included with your free listing. Of course, the incentive program is still in effect where you get a photo, small banner/logo or business card included for FREE if you submit 10 or more new small businesses to me along with your submission. Please, add your own business name in the notes when you are submitting other businesses' contact information so that I will know to credit you with the submission.

Announcing the New INCENTIVE Program

2011-06-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

I really want the Tennessee Equestrian to be as comprehensive a guide to horse businesses, services and products as possible but the very businesses that will benefit most from the guide, small businesses and individuals, are the hardest to locate. Today I'm launching a new incentive program for those who list in the Tennessee Equestrian. If you send me the names and contact information on 10 or more horse businesses or individuals working in a horse related business or producing a product for horses or horse owners that are from your area of Tennessee (town, county, region), I will feature you and your business in the guide with photos and a banner, logo or business card. You can either submit via the online submission form which can be found on the Tennessee Equestrian website or by email at grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net. Remember, if you submit through the online submission form, be certain to add your name and your business on the form so that I can credit your business with the contact.

LISTINGS ARE FREE

2011-06-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Remember that listing in the Tenn. Equestrian is totally FREE of charge. We want to make this guide as comprehensive as possible so please go to The Tennessee Equestrian home page and submit your listings today for your own horse business or service or your favorite horse business or service. The business doesn't even have to be in the state of Tennessee as long as it has a website where horse owners can buy their products or service. If you encounter any problems with the Free Listings Submission Form, you can email me your information at, grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net.

Featured Businesses for the week of JUNE 6th!

2011-06-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Centerline Equine Massage Therapy - Home
www.centerlineequine.com
Centerline Equine Massage Therapy is located in Maryville, Tennessee. We provide our services to the horses and riders of East TN and beyond.
Centerline Equine Massage of Maryville, Tennessee is our featured in state business today.
Our featured web business of the day is Renee Fukumoto Art & Photography.

Renee Fukumoto Art & Photography
www.reneefukumoto.com
Equine, nature, pet and bird of prey photography and art including portraiture and commissions of people and their pets and horses. Horse art for the horse lover. Horse photography in Halton Hills, Ontario.

Today's Featured Equine Businesses

2011-06-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Our Web Shopping featured business of the day is Sugar Reins. I have a wonderful collection of bling mane and tail horse accessories! I have a fully functioning eCommerce store on my website http://sugarein.com/and 23 color options to choose from!! I also have an FB fan page with a store http://facebook.com/HorseSuga!

SugaRein |
sugarein.com
Our featured Tennessee equine business of the day is Amanda Cross and Cross Bro. Enterprises.
‎4-Star Equine
Amanda Cross, Certified Saddle Fitter
Specializing in English Saddle Fit & Western Performance Comfort
Onsite Saddle Fitting & Flocking, Gait & Rider analysis, Saddle Sales
Barn & Multiple Horse Discounts
By appointment – 865-660-9138

Cross Brothers Enterprises
High Quality Hay - Mixed Grass, Orchard & Timothy
Square & Round Bales – Barn Kept
Delivery Available
865-660-9138, Amanda Cross
www.cbefarm.com

Cross Stitches Blanket Repair & Custom Embroidery
Personalize your horse’s clothing with One of a Kind Monograms & Logos
Repair those blankets after a hard winter’s use & extend your budget!
Call for pricing & logo consultation
865-660-9138, Amanda Cross4-Star Equine
Amanda Cross, Certified Saddle Fitter
Specializing in English Saddle Fit & Western Performance Comfort
Onsite Saddle Fitting & Flocking, Gait & Rider analysis, Saddle Sales
Barn & Multiple Horse Discounts
By appointment – 865-660-9138

The Relaunch

2011-06-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

The idea for the Tennessee Equestrian came about because I needed a place to board my horse overnight during a 15 hour trip that would have us dividing the state from East to West. I searched the internet for days and the closest overnight boarder I could find was in Missouri and just two hours away from our destination which wasn't going to help my horse with stifle problems one bit.

Oh, I had found an on-line directory but it was one page long and that page wasn't full. It listed a few breeders, a few trainers, one farrier and several trailer lots but no overnight boarding. I finally managed to find an overnight boarder and they were five minutes from my own barn door. So, we made the 15 hour trip without stopping and my horse fared just fine luckily but I wasn't a happy camper. For a large portion of that trip, I was thinking about a way to remedy this problem. I realized that from the moment I'd brought home my first horse, I'd had a difficult time locating the services and products that I needed for her care and I'd too often had to rely upon often unreliable word-of-mouth advice.

One day after I'd returned home, I was listening to a web broadcast...horse related of course....and there was a fellow who'd put together a web directory of boarding barns and overnight boarding barns all across Canada. I was inspired and I thought, how difficult could this be; this fellow covered an entire country from ocean to ocean and all I want to do is one state.

That was two years ago and the idea has grown and evolved. I officially started working on the guide this time last year. The plan at that time was to sell ads and listings to horse businesses and then give the guide away to horse owners at stores, shows and events across the state. Not only was that an extremely ambitious plan which was costing me, as an individual taking on this task, too much time and money to try and fulfill but most of my efforts to sell listings and ads were met with, "I'd love to be in the guide but I just don't have the funds to spare right now for advertising." After working through the Summer season with little to show for it but an ever dwindling checking account, I decided to call it quits. I didn't however totally give up on the idea; it was still sitting on a back burner simmering. About a month ago, I took it off the fire and stirred it up.

I came up with a new plan, one that I thought would benefit everyone. First by charging for listings, I was losing the very businesses that I'd set out to help, small businesses like my own that didn't have the means or funds to advertise. So, the first change was, FREE LISTINGS. I also realized that there were hundreds, thousands of great horse businesses and products online that weren't made in Tennessee but would still appeal to or help the Tennessee horse owner. So, second change, add a Web Shopping section for all of the great horse products, shops, services and clinics out there in cyber world. Finally, I realized that, if I made a guide that was as great and comprehensive as I wanted this one to be, people would be willing to pay for it because it would be a useful reference that they'd turn to again and again. So, there will now be a charge for the guide but I'm currently working on ways to keep that cost affordable and also make the guide a reference that people will really want to own and even display in their homes because I hope it will be beautiful as well as useful.

A week ago, I officially launched the Tennessee Equestrian again with all of the changes in place. The response has been phenomenal! I'm getting lots of new listings and fans on Facebook every day but I still need your help. Those listings are FREE so start sending in info on your own business or businesses you use and love as a horse owner. Click on this link to fill out an easy form (You don't have to fill in all categories unless you want to. Just a name and the town the business is in with a brief description will be fine if you don't have the rest of the information or if you or the business you are recommending are online, a web address and email are all that's needed.) or email me (grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net) with listing followed by the business name in the subject line. Thank you all so much for all of the input and help you've already given me. I'm putting this guide together for every horse owner and every horse business in the state of Tennessee. I think that is very much needed and will benefit all of us who own, work with and love horses. Visit our new Tennessee Equestrian web site today and send in those listings....remember ALL LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Mr. Larry & Blaze

2011-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Bojangles Midnight Blaze & Larry Simpson for Americas Favorite Trail Horse

Mr. Larry after a life long love of the "Cowboy" Life style came back to the equine world 21 yrs ago. Not long after his return to the equine world, Larry and his wife, and #1 supporter, Mrs. Sandy started raising Spotted Saddle Horse after experiencing the steadiness, docile disposition, and athleticsim which makes them such reliable Trail Mounts. Mr. Larry after 35 years of being a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, has at the age of 67 proven you are never too old to live out your "Cowboy Dreams" as he rides Blaze and his other horses out on the trail, and in various competitions including, S.S.H.B.E.A. Sport Horse, Extreme Cowboy Races, Competitive Trail Rides, and Competitive Obstacle Challanges.

Mr. Larry Simpson lives in Dayton, TN and he and his horse Blaze, Bojangles Midnight Blaze, are competing in America's Favorite Trail Horse this Fall. Tune in to watch the show and vote for them and until then click on the link above and "like" them on Facebook.

2011-05-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've updated the website and added an "It's Happening in Tennessee" events calendar page. If you have an upcoming horse show, clinic or event in TN, let me know about it and I'll add it to the calendar and post it on here and on the facebook page. The website itself is now simpler and easier to use. It might not be quite as pretty as the old site but I think it looks pretty good in its succinctness.

I'm also featuring two businesses every day on the Tennessee Equestrian Facebook page.
The first business is Crossroads Natural Horsemanship in Middle Tennessee which offers adult and children's horsemanship programs as well as clinics with instructor, Josh Guin.

Crossroads Natural Horsemanship
Crossroads Ranch
1875 Burke Hollow Rd Nolensville Tn 37135

The other business featured today is from our Web Shopping section where we list businesses that aren't in the state of Tennessee but are worthy of your attention. This week's Web Shopping featured site is Nicker Bait which offers delicious homemade treats for both you and your horse all in lovely, charming packages.

LISTINGS ARE FREE

2011-05-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that LISTINGS ARE FREE in the Tennessee Equestrian!!! If you have a horse related business, service or product in the state of Tennessee, we want to hear from you. If you are a breeder, we'll be listing you by the breed you raise as well as having a stallion directory. So, email us with your information. We're not leaving out horse, breed and discipline organizations either; list your group or organization and I will contact you before we publish to get your show and event schedule for 2012. If it relates to horses, let us know about it even if it's not within the state of Tennessee because there will be a special web shopping section and a web services section. And I've decided to add a new section to the website when it is revamped, "It's Happening in Tennessee," where we'll list a current and updatable calendar of equine events across the state. There's a lot going on in the state of Tennessee. If you have an event, show, clinic or equine celebration that we aren't aware of, let us know. We can be reached at, grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net. It's exciting news so pass it around!

I Need Your Help

2011-05-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

The very businesses that I want to help through the TN Equestrian, those like my own that are small and don't have a huge budget or the resources for advertising, are the hardest to find. So, I need all of you Tennessee equestrians, all of those people who love their horses, love riding, love competing and just love hanging out with other horse people, to send me information on the horse related services and products you've found most useful and best, the shows and events you've had fun at, the trails you most love to ride, the artists and crafts people who make the most beautiful and unique horse products, the tack that is a pleasure for both you and your horse, the handmade treat that your horse can't get enough of (Ok, we all know that's any of them so just unique, homemade treats) truly just anything that other horse lovers would relate to or possibly need. Help me out so that we can make this guide the best ever and reach the broadest range of horse people and businesses across the state of Tennessee.

2011-05-29T08:17:00.001-07:00

June 4

Blast Into Summer At Blue Point Stables!

On June 4th Blue Point Stables will be hosting our Blast into Summer Event!!!

This will be a fun, FREE event for the whole family.

Schedule of Activities

· 12 pm - hot dogs and lemonade

· 12:30 pm – Hayride

· 1 pm - “An Introduction to Horses” class for children ages 5-16.

· 2 pm - Pony rides

· 3:30 pm – Hayride

Throughout the whole day we will also be having sign-ups for our

exciting Summer Camp Programs. This is a FREE event but we do ask that

you preregister for the “Intro to Horses Class”. So load up the kids and

grab your camera and we will see you at the

Summer Camps at BPS:

The summer camps at BPS are quickly filling up! I have made some date changes and the costs have been reduced on many of the camps so check them out and get your children signed up! We will also be having a sign-up opportunity at our BLAST INTO SUMMER!! event on June 4. Remeber that past and present BPS students recieve a 10% discount off of all camp tuitions!

The Pony Pals Summer Camp: is for children ages 3-6. It is a fun, safe way for your child to become introduced to horses. The campers will learn how to groom and lead small horses and ponies. Additionally, games will be used to teach campers rudimentary riding skills such as steering and stopping their mounts. Finally, no camp would be complete without crafts! The children will make horsey crafts throughout the week.

Camp will run June 20th through June 24th from 9 am until 12pm each day. Space is limited to 10 campers and sign up is on a first come first serve basis.

For more information contact Brandy McDonnell at,
BluePointStables.com.

SOS Horsemanship Clinic

2011-05-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

GRAND OPENING of Dodd's Ranch home of SOS Horsemanship JUNE 4-5.
We are glad to have some of the best trainers- Suzanne Myers, Mike Branch, Marc Chancey, and Chase Dodd. We will be having Vendors, food, & Clinics. To audit $5.00 per person, children 10 and under are free. To participate in the clinic's contact us at 423-309-1691.
www.chasedodd.com
Check out http://chasedodd.com/! Home Page

Chase Dodd SOS Horsmanship

www.chasedodd.com

Check out http://chasedodd.com/! Home Page

Trail Ride and Help Rescued Horses

2011-05-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Mustang Alley Riding Stables & Horse Rescue, Inc. Come ride the Cherokee National Forest! All proceeds go to Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc. $20 per hour per person. Guided trail rides. Reservations required.http://mustangalleyridingstables.com/ 423-552-5988 for info and reservations.

Mustang Alley Riding Stables - Home

mustangalleyridingstables.com

Why ride with us? Because.....not only are our trails in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest....but....ALL of our proceeds go to Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Incwww.mustangalley.org

Fundraiser for Camp Creek Tornado Victims

2011-05-26T18:33:00.001-07:00

Larry Simpson and Bojangles Midnight Blaze

2011-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

On Sept 13th, Larry Simpson and his Spotted Saddle Horse, Bojangles Midnight Blaze, from Dayton, TN will compete on the HRTV show "Americas Favorite Trail Horse." The winner will be chosen by the America Vote and they would appreciate your support!

About	Promoting the Spotted Saddle Horse and the "Cowboy life" no matter your age!

Biography	Mr. Larry and Mrs. Sandy raised the beautiful Spotted Saddle Horse Mare "Blaze" on their farm in Dayton, TN after breeding their mare "Sassy" to Bojangles Jr. owned my McNatt Farms. We all love those foals we raise, but all have those who stand out from the beginning and "Blaze" definitly held those qualities, Mr. Larry was looking for! "Blaze's" calm disposition allowed him to be introduced to obstacles with ease, and in each step in his training he was ready to tackle the task!
Awards	2009- S.S.H.B.E.A. Sport Horse World Grand Champion & World Champion Mare Numerous Championship Awards in Competitive Trail Rides, Hunting Courses, and Trail Obstacles Extreme Cowboy Races- won 4 races in 2010 and 4th at the World Championship in the Ride Smart Division. This year has started well with 2 Non-Pro wins. Competing and placing well in many local Trail Challenges. Including the AL Horse Fair Trail Challenge where he placed 3rd in 2009 and 4th in 2010.
Personal Information	Mr. Larry after a life long love of the "Cowboy" Life style came back to the equine world 21 yrs ago. Not long after his return to the equine world, Larry and his wife, and #1 supporter, Mrs. Sandy started raising Spotted Saddle Horse after exsperiencing the steadiness, docile disposition, and athleticsim which makes them such reliable Trail Mounts. Mr. Larry after 35 years of being a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, has at the age of 67 proven you are never too old to live out your "Cowboy Dreams" as he rides Blaze and his other horses out on the trail, and in various competitions including, S.S.H.B.E.A. Sport Horse, Extreme Cowboy Races, Competitive Trail Rides, and Competitive Obstacle Challanges.

Bojangles Midnight Blaze & Larry Simpson for Americas Favorite Trail Horse

Want to watch a cool video, check out the video that the Times Free Press, added to the article they did. http://www.timesfreepress.com/videos/2011/may/24/5644/

Deadly Equine Herpes Virus Spreading

2011-05-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is a link to a very thorough article about the virus. I would paste the entire article here but I'm not certain about copyright restrictions. So please, click on this link and read the article especially if you are traveling with or planning on showing your horses this spring and summer. The virus is airborne and extremely contagious and can be deadly. ARTICLE ON EHV OUTBREAK

The Horse from Head to Toe

2011-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine offers its annual Horse Owners' Educational Conference on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the College of Veterinary Medicine on the UT Knoxville Campus. This is a day dedicated to the health and management of your horses. Subjects to be covered include:

Wellness Programs

Small Pasture Management
An in depth look at Fescue Toxicosis
The Horse Industry-What's Happening
Foot Care and Disease
New Technologies
Common Medications and their Correct Use
Lameness Examinations-What do they Entail?

The deadline for registration is Monday, March 7th.

You can register online at www.vet.utk.edu/continueing_ed or by contacting Barbara Campbell CPM at 865-974-7264 for more information or a registration form. The cost for the entire day of lectures, lunch and snacks is $28.

Upcoming Events at Blue Point Stables in Kingston, TN

2011-02-23T14:35:00.001-08:00

March, 2011

Hello Everyone!!

Well, it appears that Spring is on its way! February has been a great month and I and the horses are looking forward to getting back into full swing! Lesson times are starting to fill up so you will need to contact me to get back on the schedule. With the assistance of my barn manager, Janet Bohr, I will be offering lessons 7 days a week at Blue Point Stables in Kingston.

An Introduction to Horses

At 1pm on March 5 I am offering an “Introduction to Horses” class. This is a 2 hour event designed especially for children ages 5-16. The participants will learn how to groom, lead and care for horses. In addition to spending time the saddle, where the children will learn basic horsemanship skills. This is a FREE event but space is limited so pre-registration is required. Please share this with your friends, everyone is invited!

Spring Break Camp

I am also offering a Spring Break Camp this year fromMarch 14 through March 18. This will be a day camp running from 10am until 4pm each day. Campers will enjoy a riding lesson and a trail ride each day. The cost for this camp is only $250. Contact me today to reserve your child’s spot.

Thank you to Sande Elkins of http://grayhorsedesigns.com/ for the beautiful photo of the mare and foal this month!

Summer Camp Schedule is HERE!!

Finally, the summer camp schedule is up on the website and you can access it athttp://www.bluepointstable.com/Events.asp.

Thanks, Brandy

Blue Point Stables
675 Buck Creek Rd., Kingston, TN
(865) 376-9312 or 466-3609

Facebook

The Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio

2011-02-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

North America's Premiere Equine Exposition and Equestrian Gathering will take place on April 7-10, 2011 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. There will experts, classes and demonstrations in all disciplines. Thousands of equine enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses will be participating. Go to the website to learn more.

Changes and Exciting News

2010-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'm blaming this horrible and sluggish economy because there still seems to be tremendous interest in having a comprehensive guide to equine services, professionals and businesses for the horse owners in Tennessee but the September 30th deadline has come and gone and we don't have enough listings and ads to publish at this time. This doesn't however mean that we are giving up on the magazine. We are moving ahead and I think it will be even better. There are however going to be some major changes.

1) The magazine will now be published in both print and as a webzine which will be interactive with video ads and demonstrations and links to advertisers' websites. The webzine will also function like a real magazine with flip pages and searchable contents.

2) At first, I'd decided to delay the availability of the printed magazine for at least a year or until I acquired enough advertisers to pay for publication. But now I'm planning on going ahead with publication at the same time that the first issue of the webzine is available. There will be a few major changes though:

A) Listings will be free! In both the webzine and in print. Web listings can be linked directly to your website for a small fee ($10 per link.)

B) The prices are going to be significantly lower and more affordable for ads and ads will remain active for a full year (from first publication date.) Sample pricing for basic full color ad (add $5 per link) : business card size/$15, 1/4 page /$25, 1/2 page/$50, full page/$100, full page with video, $500.

C) If you buy a web ad, you automatically will receive the same ad in the print magazine.

D) The magazine (print version only...the webzine is a free service) will no longer be free to the public but available on demand for an affordable price.

We are striving to provide the same quality and comprehensive content that we initially set out to have with this publication. I hope to provide even more than before. I will keep you all posted on our progress and will post the projected launch date(hoping for first quarter of 2011) soon. I'm really excited about the changes ahead and look forward to meeting and working with more and more Tennessee horse people in the coming year.
Thanks to all of you who have given us such support and encouragement already. And please feel free to send me your suggestions and feed back.~Sande

2010-10-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Harvest Open House at Blue Point Stables outside of Kingston, TN.

2010-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, September 11th, I attended the shows, listed below, at East Fork Stables which is located near Jamestown in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, rain and storms interrupted the show and day but I still had a wonderful time meeting the horses and horse people. This is an annual charity horse show but this is the first year that it has included te Fox Trotter Affaire. Since I'm a Fox Trotter enthusiast and owner myself, I truly enjoyed the show. I'm including a few photos of some of the people (and horses, of course:) that I met there.

September 9-12...Foxtrotter Affaire

For more information: http://foxtrotteraffair.com/

September 10-13...North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC)
http://www.natrc5.org/Index.asp

September 11...Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Benefit Horse Show

A couple of trail riders trying out the obstacle course at East Fork Stables.

I want to play!

Dancing For the Horses

2010-09-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

My friend, Erica Adams, a well know eventer and trainer from Knoxville, TN, is participating in Dancing for the Horses, a benefit for Horse Haven equine rescue, on Monday, October 11th. You can click on this LINK and vote for Erica or one of the other participants by donating to the cause. Each dollar donated counts as a vote for the contestants and helps a very worthy cause. Horse Haven is Tennessee's oldest and largest humane organization. 865-609-4030

101 Year Old Cowgirl, Connie Reeves

2010-09-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

Mustang Alley Horse Rescue

2010-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc(located in Greeneville, TN) is a 501(c)3 non-profit horse rescue, dedicated to the horses of Tennessee and the surrounding areas, to provide a safe and secure home for unwanted, abused, abandoned or neglected horses, mules, donkeys and ponies. We rehabilitate them and place them in qualified homes that have been screened and inspected. Adoption rules and applications are available on our site.

This morning, I spoke at length with Mustang Alley Horse Rescue founder, Kathy Grant. I truly admire the work that Kathy and her organization are doing. The number of neglected, unwanted, and abused horses in Tennessee and the surrounding states has increased drastically in the last few years. And there are so many caring and well intentioned horse owners who can just not afford to care for their horses in the current depressed economic climate. I have such admiration for organizations like MAHR and people like Kathy Grant and the effort they put forth for horses in need. Such an effort is very expensive however. Because of the increasing number of horses in their care and the increasing cost of keeping them, Mustang Alley Riding Stables was established. All profit from the riding stable goes entirely for the care of the horses as does any money donated to MAHR.

On Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th, Mike Branch, Flying B Horsemanship, will be conducting a clinic to benefit MAHR. Mike will be working with only 5 problem horses per day and the slots are filling up quickly. The cost is just $100 per horse which is quite a bargain and all proceeds are going to such a good cause. If you don't have a problem horse, auditing the clinic should still be very informative and fun. Auditing is just $25 per day.

For information on the November, Mike Branch clinic, information about horse adoption, or to make a donation to this wonderful organization, call 423-552-5988 or email:mahr@mustangalley.org.

New Blog for Danny Boy

2010-05-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

I've set up a blog just for Danny. With a blog and new facebook page to put photos and stories on, I won't be constantly placing them here and on the Tenn. Equestrian facebook page where they don't really belong. Besides, it will be fun to chronicle the adventures of Danny Boy and his first time horse-mom, me.

2010-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

A photo from the first show of the season at Blue Point Stables in Kingston, TN. They have an open show every month which covers all disciplines plus trail and halter classes. There are classes for gaited horses as well. They are always so much fun. Check their website for a complete schedule, directions and other information.

Rodeo!

2010-04-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Two shots from the NABA rodeo March 26th & 27th at Roane State Expo in Harriman, TN. I was there to photograph the drill team (top photo) but also handed out information on The Tennessee Equestrian. I will be at Blue Point Stables today for their first show of the season.

Blue Point Stables Show

2010-03-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the first show of the season at Blue Point Stables this Saturday.

Upgrades from Listings to Ads

2010-03-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

I'll soon be adding another option to the order menu on The Tennessee Equestrian website. You will be able to place a listing now and then later upgrade to an ad with the cost of the listing deducted from the cost of the ad. That way, you can go ahead and reserve your spot in the magazine now but move up to an ad later without penalty. You will of course still have the listing in the magazine and on the website. And if you are among the first 100 subscribers, your listing will be printed in bright red so that it will stand out from the rest as a charter member.

Two Events

2010-03-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

I'll have a table and be passing out info on The Tennessee Equestrian at Horsin' Around at the Sweetwater Co-op on Thursday, March 18th. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and there will also be representatives and speakers from Speedrite Fencing and Merial Animal Health. Door prizes are being given away and refreshments are being provided.

On March 26th and 27th, I will be attending the NABA rodeo at the Roane State Expo Center. I will be there as a photographer but I will have information on The Tennessee Equestrian with me to hand out.

Brochures

2010-03-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone is interested in distributing brochures and other information about the magazine, let me know. This first year of The Tennessee Equestrian, I'm working on a non-existent budget and for no salary myself (until the magazine's cost of publication is paid and then I'm hoping to get a stipend from what is left over.) So I couldn't pay you for your time and trouble. But, if you believe in this magazine/guide like I do and how much it is going to help both horse owners and horse businesses, I'd really appreciate your help spreading the word. It would also help if you all could keep me up to date on horse shows and events across the state where I could distribute information. Also businesses that wouldn't mind handing out brochures to your customers or being a drop site for the magazine once it is published, contact me and I'll ship you brochures and/or put your name on the list for magazine distribution.

I'm also accepting article submissions but there is no money to pay for those either. What you will get is a blurb within the article telling about you, your business and your qualifications. If you have an idea for an article, feel free to let me know about those as well. We already have several articles and subjects lined up but always welcome fresh ideas.

Phone: 865.458.1420 or 865.300.7325 (...this is my cell and I can usually be reached on it when I'm not in the office. I'm going to be at the barn a lot this Spring since I have a foal due next month:) Email: grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net

Online Classifieds

2010-03-16T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's been suggested that we add classifieds online. This would be done so that individuals and businesses could not just advertise in the magazine and on the website but also offer specific products for sale with photos. I've looked around at other sites that do this. Most offer this service free to individuals who wish to sell their tack, horses and trailers. The service is paid for with business ads on the site. That is one option that we are looking at for non-professional/business classifieds. We have also considered combining that with special listings and ads by equine businesses that could be purchased for placement in the magazine and on the website which would also include placement of an unlimited number of classifieds for an entire year. Since The Tennessee Equestrian will not be published until the end of this year and 2011 is its premier issue, we plan to make that an unlimited number of classifieds for both 2010 and 2011. So far, we've received positive feedback and approval of this plan. It would be especially beneficial for businesses which have an ever changing inventory. And by also offering full color ads that are placed within the online classifieds, we can not only offer the classified service free to the general public but that service would be a good draw of the buying public to the website.

It will be a few weeks before this system will be operational. We will also be adding an upgrade option for those who have already purchased listings and ads that might want to add the classified ads option. If you have any feedback or suggestions, contact Sande Elkins at 865.458.1420 or by email, grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net.

More Info

2010-03-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

Well we're off to a good start but we still need your help. Please, let all of your friends, especially those who have horse related businesses however small, know about the TN Equestrian. And also, please, let us know about any shows or events across the state where we can distribute info on the magazine. To make the TN Equestrian as comprehensive as I want it to be, I need to find those small businesses who are more difficult to locate but also the most in need of the wide spread and economical advertising that The Tennessee Equestrian offers.

We are at the beginning but I still need to mention that the cut off for submitting listings and ads is September 1st, 2010. So get them in early. The listings start at just $15 by check or cash (receipt will be provided with all ad/listing purchases) or $18 by credit card (the extra $3 fee is to help cover the expense of providing this convenience to our advertisers.) Full color ads start at just $150 for a credit card size ad. Not only are these prices very much below the average for magazine advertising but they will provide you with an entire year of state wide exposure to your target audience. And we will do our best to insert your ad within the section of the magazine that concerns the type of business you have.

We are also doing something a little bit different. Since The Tennessee Equestrian will be provided free of charge to the public, we need to pay for all of the pages printed. That not only includes the pages paid for with listings and ads but also the many informative and entertaining articles that we hope to include and such sections as a travel guide and listings for non-profits and rescues groups which we'd love to provide for no cost. In order to pay for these pages and provide no-cost exposure for charitable organizations, we are offering page and article sponsorships. If your company purchases a sponsored article or page, you will also receive a 1/4 to 1/2 page, full color ad within the article or on the page stating your sponsorship and also a 1/2 page (for joint sponsorship between two businesses) to FULL page, full color ad (full sponsorship) for your business. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about sponsored articles and pages.

If you would like to receive a brochure and ad/listing application by mail or just want more information on The Tennessee Equestrian, you can contact me, Sande Elkins, at 865.458.1420 or grayhorsedesigns@bellsouth.net.

Charge Card Problem Fixed on Web Site

2010-03-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

An advertiser was nice enough to email me this morning and tell me that there was a problem with charging an ad over the website(Thanks, Amanda!:). I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. The problem is fixed now and everything is running smoothly.

Thanks to everyone who has already placed a listing or ad. Those placing ads automatically get a listing as well. And as I stated below, the first 100 listings will be printed in bright RED so that they stand out from the rest.

I really appreciate all of the support and encouragement I've been getting for this project. I'm working hard to get the word out and would appreciate you all telling your friends about the magazine, too. Together, we're going to build something really special for the horse community in Tennessee!

It's Official!

2010-03-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

The Tennessee Equestrian website is now up, running and ready to take your orders for listings and ads! The first hundred listings will be printed in bright red so that they stand out from the rest. With listings starting at just $15 by check (made payable to Gray Horse Designs) and cash OR $18 by credit card (additional fee to cover the costs of providing this convenience to our advertisers) either securely on the website or by phone or mail, you can't afford not to be part of The Tennessee Equestrian!

We are ON-LINE!!

2010-03-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Finally, the web site is finished and ready to launch. I'm publishing first thing tomorrow morning, March 9th. Although the web site has been ready to publish for a few days, I'm waiting until then because it is my late mother's birthday. I'm doing this as a tip of my hat to her because, even though she's been gone from my life for twenty years this month, she still is the most influential person in my life; she still lives in my heart.

So join me tomorrow when I welcome The Tennessee Equestrian into being. As an added incentive, the first 100 people/businesses to place listings will get their listing printed in bright red so that you will stand out from the rest as "charter members" in this exciting new venture.

Blue Point Stables Show Schedule & Info

2010-03-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

One thing that I've failed to mention is that everyone who purchases a listing in the magazine will also get a listing on the website (which I promise will be up and running by the end of this week:). Those who purchase the listings with web and email address and those who purchase an ad will receive a free link to their website(s) as well. I will try to start posting the listings as soon as they are purchased so that you can get advertising for your shows and events this year as well as next. Here is an announcement from one of our supporters, Blue Point Stables, about their shows and programs for this year, 2010.

Hello to All!

It is once again the beginning of the show season. In 2010 Blue Point Stables will be hosting several All-Breed Open Horse Shows. We have added some new classes this year and will be giving away High Point awards and ribbons at every show and at the end of the show season. In addition all of our shows this year will be PAC (Paint Alternative Credit) approved by the APHA.

New for this year we are offering membership to the Blue Point Stables Saddle Club. Members will be eligible for our year-end High Point awards. Membership privileges also include reduces show fees, drop-in riding privileges at Blue Point Stables, and free classified ads on the Blue Point Stables website.

I would like to thank Kathy Kear from the Horse Emporium, Sande Elkins from the Tennessee Equestrian and The Valley Co-op for being sponsors this year. We still need more sponsors so if you know of someone who may be interested let me know and I will send you a sponsorship form. Sponsorships can be in the form of monetary or product donations and start as low as $10. For each sponsor you recruit you can earn “show bucks” to be used towards your show tab or at the concession stand during any one of our shows.

Unfortunately, the ugly winter weather that we have endured lately has forced me to cancel the March 6 Schooling Show. Therefore, our first show of the season will be the April 3 All-Breed Open Show. Below I have listed all of the dates for the 2010 show season. You can go towww.bluepointstables.com to download a show schedule. If you are just starting our, needing to school, or just want a fun, relaxed atmosphere to show in then you need to come to one of our shows!

April 3 – All-Breed Open ShowMay 1 - All-Breed Open ShowJune 5 - All-Breed Open Show
September 4 - All-Breed Open Show
October 2 - All-Breed Open Show
October 30 - All-Breed Open Show

Please forward this information to all of your friends!

2010-02-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

There will be a slight delay in launching the website and the online ad and listing forms and charge. Just getting all of the financial stuff out of the way. I'm hoping by next week we'll really be rolling. I'll start putting brochures and ad/listing applications around at feed and tack stores, too. East TN first (since that is where I'm based:) then Middle and West. I want to cover the entire state.

An Introduction

2010-02-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Mouse, the Gray Horse

Hi, I'm Sande Elkins and like most of you reading this, I love horses. I love one horse in particular, the gray horse of Gray Horse Designs, my lovely, Mouse. I came to horse ownership later than most. Mouse was a gift from my husband for my 50th birthday...actually my 49th since I started looking for a horse immediately after he'd asked me what I was going to want for my landmark birthday. And as soon as I saw Mouse, I knew she was the horse for me.

I've always been creative. I made my living for over twenty-five years, sculpting whimsical figures from wood and selling them all over the world. I also spent some time designing whole room and theme concepts for a major, international gift wares producer. But when I turned forty-five, I knew that I wanted to do something new; I just wasn't certain what that something was. I found my inspiration and my muse in my lovely, dapple gray mare.

What I didn't find however were all the answers I needed for caring for a horse when I first brought Mouse home to Tennessee from her birthplace in Missouri. I was ill prepared for horse ownership and learned a lot from trial and error, getting too much information, recommendations and advice from word of mouth which was sometimes reliable and sometimes not. I soon discovered how difficult it was to locate all of the products, service and professionals that I needed to care for Mouse. And when it came to riding lessons for myself, I went through a very long list of instructors recommended by friends and strangers before finding the one that was right for me.

Five years later, I'm far more comfortable with horse ownership but I still often run into roadblocks when I'm trying to locate a specific product, service or professional. I realized that there was not a comprehensive guide to these products and services and there very much needed to be. So that is how The Tennessee Equestrian came about. I want it to be the most useful publication that the horse owner has ever seen, I want it to encompass all needs and products, I want it to be entertaining and informative and I want it to be free to the public. I plan on paying for the publication entirely through listings and ads from the horse businesses, services and professional included in its pages along with informative and entertaining articles, show and travel guides, and beautiful photos and art work all in a gorgeous, elegant, glossy format. It will not only give these businesses and professionals a very economical way to reach new clients with listings starting at just $15 but it will also be handed out at horse shows, events and businesses across the state giving them access to a much wider customer base.

I'm launching the magazine 0n March 9th of 2010 and I hope to publish the premier issue in December of 2010. If you wish to advertise you can contact me, Sande Elkins, either through the links on this page or by phone at, 865.458.1420. I hope you will join me on this journey because it promises to be a wonderful ride.

The Tennessee Equestrian

Blue Point Stables Introduces a New Concept...Bluepons, A Groupon Discount

Another October Event Added to the Calendar

Upcoming Events in Tennessee

Haunted Hay Rides to benefit Mustang Alley Horse Rescue. Every Friday and Saturday in October. 1020 Walters Rd. Greenville, TN For more information, 423-552-5988 or www.mustangalley.org

Riverdale Saddle Club would like to invite everyone out to our last show of the season Saturday October 15th. Speed events start at 11am with the show starting promptly at 4pm. We are located east of Knoxville take Strawberry plains exit off of I40. Saturday, October 15 · 10:00am - 10:00pm

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=C38hnx-aM4xLKIbAooMh_Qas6g1DE_KxXWQA-BMfnxIN7oQNYiLX_yHAdrm&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081981f0ec5c29429da1e3ab6e3235b433a67

Horse Stolen in Georgia ALERT

Fatal Case of EHV1 puts U.T. Vet Hospital Under Quarantine

Benefit Chile Dinner and Silent Auction

Help Needed

Equine Rescues Featured this Month

Upcoming Horse Shows

A New Group on Facebook

Support Templeton Thompson's newest album

New Photography Book Available/Sales Benefit The TN Equestrian

Website Offline

WHIA 2011 Global Networking Expo

News Letter

Expertise

YOU CAN WIN A CHANCE TO RIDE AT THE O'CONNER EQUESTRIAN CAMP!!

Win a Chance to Ride at the O’Connor Equestrian Camp

Upcoming Events in Tennessee

Announcing the New INCENTIVE Program

LISTINGS ARE FREE

Featured Businesses for the week of JUNE 6th!

Our featured web business of the day is Renee Fukumoto Art & Photography.

Today's Featured Equine Businesses

Our featured Tennessee equine business of the day is Amanda Cross and Cross Bro. Enterprises.

The Relaunch

Mr. Larry & Blaze

LISTINGS ARE FREE

I Need Your Help

SOS Horsemanship Clinic

Trail Ride and Help Rescued Horses

Mustang Alley Riding Stables & Horse Rescue, Inc. Come ride the Cherokee National Forest! All proceeds go to Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc. $20 per hour per person. Guided trail rides. Reservations required.http://mustangalleyridingstables.com/ 423-552-5988 for info and reservations.

Fundraiser for Camp Creek Tornado Victims

Larry Simpson and Bojangles Midnight Blaze

Deadly Equine Herpes Virus Spreading

The Horse from Head to Toe

Upcoming Events at Blue Point Stables in Kingston, TN

The Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio

Changes and Exciting News

Dancing For the Horses

101 Year Old Cowgirl, Connie Reeves

Mustang Alley Horse Rescue

New Blog for Danny Boy

Rodeo!

Blue Point Stables Show

Upgrades from Listings to Ads

Two Events

Brochures

Online Classifieds

More Info

Charge Card Problem Fixed on Web Site

It's Official!

We are ON-LINE!!

Blue Point Stables Show Schedule & Info

An Introduction